No boring history and geography allowed! Learn about the many options you have to guide your children in learning about—and learning from—the past, the land, and the people. American history and the Middle Ages are the specialties of these spotlight companies. Find engaging learning opportunities below, and follow the links to get more insight into how these options will fit into your learning time. 

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, stands uniquely positioned as one of our nation’s premiere historic travel destinations to bring your family to. Nestled in idyllic Adams County, it offers breathtakingly scenic landscapes, wide-ranging outdoor activities, adventurous dining and—perhaps most famously—an unparalleled firsthand look at our country’s dramatic and inspiring past.



Gettysburg’s many contemporary museums and intimate house tours offer fascinating insight into every aspect of the Civil War. You’ll get to know the details of the conflict from an up-close perspective. Then explore the story beyond the battlefield, discovering the local aftermath of the war, and enabling you to stand in the footsteps of everyday civilians whose lives were turned upside down by three fierce days of fighting in the place they called home. For those interested in other historic subjects, there are also exceptional museums specifically dedicated to both the Second World War and President Dwight D. Eisenhower, whose Gettysburg farm is a National Historic Site.

Be sure to take a leisurely stroll through the historically preserved downtown area encircling beautiful Lincoln Square. Discover our nation’s gripping legacy at interactive attractions, state-of-the-art education centers, and virtual reality experiences.

Take in the fresh air of surrounding Adams County with a scenic hike through beautiful state parks and a nature preserve just a short drive from town. As a bonus, the winding trails are dog-friendly, perfect for those traveling with a four-legged companion.

Learn more and get a free visitor guide at www.destinationgettysburg.com.

Why Is It So Important to Teach America’s Founding Principles?

Studies show that Americans today do not possess adequate civic knowledge about our nation’s founding history, principles, and governing institutions. This widespread deficiency is a serious matter in a self-governing republic such as ours, which relies on an educated citizenry to govern itself. If these trends continue, America will not be able to endure as designed by our Founders.

The American Heritage Education Foundation (AHEF) is a trusted non-profit organization that provides FREE, award-winning, patriotic K–12 lesson plans and teaching resources—on America’s founding documents, history, and philosophy—for teachers and homeschoolers. AHEF also provides signature, critically acclaimed readings on the Bible’s historical influence on America’s governing principles and values. These supplemental resources will strengthen any K–12 curriculum in social studies, U.S. history, U.S. government, civics, American philosophy and political thought, Western Civilization, and historical influence of the Bible.  

With AHEF’s resources, students will better understand America’s founding ideas and values, what it means to be an American, and their own responsibilities as citizens. As a result, they will more likely become productive, contributing members of society, participate in civic activities, and be well-informed voters. These outcomes benefit our nation and the future.

AHEF’s resources are available as free PDF downloads or for purchase in print on AHEF’s website, www.americanheritage.org.

No cost to sign up! 

Brand New for 2024: Medieval History Curriculum by Beautiful Feet Books

The Middle Ages was a very busy time full of change. Brilliant minds lived during the years AD 400–1600. By reading some of the best literature on the subject, students will be encouraged to discuss new ideas and social changes.

This 2024 updated and expanded study, designed for 10–12th grade, contains links to websites, hands-on activities, recipes, discussion questions, writing assignments, vocabulary words, and mapping activities that will bring the Middle Ages in Europe, Africa, and Asia to life. Rich period literature will demonstrate that the medieval era was a time when people were forming ideas that still impact us today. It was also a time of exciting discoveries, new innovations, and wonderful stories.

Reading Beowulf will open homeschool students’ eyes to the terrors of living under the threat of Viking raids. The Song of Roland provides a glimpse into the mores and ethics of a time when the concepts of chivalry were just developing. Travel with Ibn Battuta through Asia and Africa, and learn the songs, hymns, and creeds of the medieval church. Visit African empires that controlled the gold and salt markets for centuries. Read the writings of Martin Luther, Geoffrey Chaucer, Shakespeare, Galileo Galilei, John Calvin, and many others. Students who complete this study will have a rich literary understanding of this pivotal time period, which has much to teach us about the times we live in now.

Shop now at bfbooks.com.